
Smith & Wesson · Pistol
Smith & Wesson 539
Short recoil (semi-automatic) · 9x19mm Parabellum · introduced 1980
Also known as Model 539, S&W 539
About the Smith & Wesson 539
The Smith & Wesson 539 is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1980. The pistol features a carbon steel frame and a carbon steel slide, providing a durable platform designed for years of reliable service in both duty and civilian applications. With a magazine capacity of 8 rounds, this pistol offers ample firepower for defensive applications. The traditional DA/SA trigger system offers a heavier first pull for safety followed by a lighter single-action pull for subsequent shots, a design philosophy favored by many law enforcement agencies during the era. With a 4.0-inch barrel, this pistol balances concealability with ballistic performance, providing near-optimal velocity and a practical sight radius for accurate shot placement. Smith & Wesson's semi-automatic pistol designs draw on over 170 years of firearms manufacturing expertise, combining proven engineering principles with modern materials and manufacturing techniques to deliver reliable, accurate handguns trusted by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters worldwide.
Smith & Wesson has been manufacturing firearms in Springfield, Massachusetts since 1852, making them one of the oldest and most respected names in the American firearms industry, with their revolvers and pistols serving in virtually every major conflict and law enforcement agency worldwide.
Smith & Wesson 539 specifications
General
- Type
- Pistol
- Action
- Short recoil (semi-automatic)
- Firing mechanism
- Double action single action
- Trigger
- Double action
- Trigger pull
- 2.0 kg (4.5 lb)
- Calibres
- 9x19mm Parabellum
- Magazine capacity
- 8 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 101.6 mm (4.0 in)
- Overall length
- 190 mm (7.5 in)
- Height
- 138 mm (5.4 in)
- Width
- 34 mm (1.3 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 0.70 kg (1.54 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:10 in (254 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Carbon steel
- Receiver / frame
- Carbon steel
- Slide
- Carbon steel
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 360 m/s (1181 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 481 J (355 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 50 m
History
- Introduced
- 1980
- Discontinued
- 1983
- Production status
- Discontinued
- Country of origin
- US
Features
- Single stack magazine
- All steel construction
- Accessory rail
- Ambidextrous slide stop
- Textured grip
- Loaded chamber indicator
- Reversible magazine release
- Manual thumb safety
Safety
- Slide mounted safety
- Firing pin safety
The 539 is the all-steel variant of the 439, which featured an aluminum alloy frame. The stainless steel variant was designated the Model 639.
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